Our Story
Our
History
Portions of this history were drawn from "Figure Eight Revisited" by Nola Nadeau, a beloved island neighbor whose writings beautifully capture the spirit and history of our community.
Figure Eight Island Church has its roots in the late 1970s, when small, informal gatherings of island residents, visitors, and renters came together for worship on the steps of the Figure Eight Island Yacht Club. Those early services were as casual as island life itself, with worshippers fanning themselves in the summer heat, bug spray close at hand, and the staircases leading down toward the marina docks serving as a natural stage. It was communal, unhurried, and entirely in the spirit of the island.
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As Figure Eight grew in popularity and more families made it their summer home, so did the desire for something more established. In 1984, remodeling at the Yacht Club moved services indoors, marking a new chapter while preserving the warmth and informality that have always defined the church's character. Two years later, in June of 1986, the church was formally organized and registered with the State of North Carolina, giving the congregation an official home to match its growing community.
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Frances King and Frank Southerland were among the founders who helped shape the church's early identity. The Rev. Jerome Jones of Antioch Presbyterian Church near Jacksonville served as the congregation's first regular minister, and Jack Newton led music using hymnals gathered from a nearby Methodist church.
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Today, Figure Eight Island Church gathers every Sunday morning from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, welcoming islanders, visitors, and renters of every background. The attire is casual, the fellowship is real, and a tradition now nearly five decades in the making endures.
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Come as you are. All are welcome.
About Us
Rev. Ron Abrams
Summer Worship Director
The Rev. Ronald G. Abrams most recently served as Priest in Charge at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Hampstead (2019–2025), following a 20-year tenure as Rector of St. James’ Parish in Wilmington from 1999 to 2019. Before settling in North Carolina, Ron’s ministry began in New York, where he was Assistant Rector of St. Mark’s in Westhampton Beach from 1982 to 1984, followed by seven years as Rector of St. Ann’s Church in Bridgehampton from 1984 to 1991.
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In 1991, Ron moved south to become Rector of Holy Trinity Church in Fayetteville. During his time there, he devoted himself to supporting military families and shared his expertise as a guest lecturer for the Bishop of the Armed Forces at conferences in Japan and Germany.
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A committed leader in both the Diocese of East Carolina and the broader Episcopal Church, Ron has held numerous roles, including President of the Standing Committee , three-time Deputy to the General Convention, and he currently serves as a Trustee of the Diocese. Ron is married to Kathleen, an accomplished interior designer, and together they have two sons and four grandchildren.
Duke Ladd
Pianist
For over two decades, Duke has enriched Figure Eight Island Church with his musical talents. In Wilmington, he’s the go-to maestro for solo piano performances, jazz ensembles, and ballroom dance tunes, delighting audiences at weddings, receptions, corporate gatherings, and private events alike.
With more than 25 years of experience, Duke has masterfully played piano for wedding celebrations, festivals, corporate functions, birthday and anniversary parties, theatrical productions, major fundraisers, and virtually every kind of special occasion imaginable.
Church Committee
Board Members
Jim Stone, President
Mike Smith, President Elect
Yvonne Rayburn, Vice-President
Beth Howard, Secretary/Treasurer
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Members at Large
Cliff Benson
Kim Collie
Jim Douglas
Leigh Edwards
David Kellam
Want to Join The Church Committee?
Our committee convenes twice annually to plan and enhance the church’s activities. Beyond recommending future guest speakers and arranging hospitality for their island visits, we also address administrative matters and other church operations.
We invite those interested in joining the church committee to get in touch with one of the members listed above.
As always, we encourage you to suggest speakers you know personally and believe would resonate with and inspire our congregation.